Sen. Mark Rubio -- As Popular as Ever

Florida Sen. Marco Rubio’s rise to national prominence and first few months in office have done nothing to lessen the enthusiasm of his supporters, the Daytona Beach News-Journal reported Thursday.

A crowd of about 250 greeted the Sunshine State’s junior senator with two standing ovations at a Wednesday town hall meeting. In contrast, other Republicans swept into office last November have gone back home to face mixed receptions after Washington, D.C. skirmishes have dimmed their supporters’ enthusiasm.

Rubio, however, remains a political rock star.

“I almost feel like I have to tell some jokes or sing a song,” he quipped on stage Wednesday.

He then went on to talk about the serious issues he has been addressing that have made him so popular.

"Every generation of Americans before us has had challenges,” Rubio said. “They decided that rather than pass on their problems to their children, they would pass on their dreams.

"The great question of our time is: Are we as a people willing to do these things? ... What's more important -- America's future or our own political future?"

Florida Sen. Marco Rubio s rise to national prominence and first few months in office have done nothing to lessen the enthusiasm of his supporters, the Daytona Beach News-Journal reported Thursday. A crowd of about 250 greeted the Sunshine State s junior senator with two...